![]() ![]() We have been consumed by the fires of hatred and rage. You shall be destroyed! OR You are ignorant savages. ![]() Villain! You are an abomination to heaven and earth. You will burn quickly for this, I swear it. OR Wretched scoundrel! You shall pay for this! You have doomed your people to fire and destruction. Overall, Askia is generally considered to be one of the best sub-Saharan rulers in history.įool. ![]() While not a great general, he was able to expand his empire and to hold on to what he had taken until age robbed him of his powers. ![]() He is judged to be an extremely competent administrator, his reign a golden age for religion and knowledge in Western Africa. In 1528, old and blind, he was deposed by one of his sons, dying some 10 years later. In addition, Askia restructured the tax system and imposed regulations on agriculture, hunting and fishing.Īskia ruled for some thirty-five years. He also created a standing army and navy (the latter consisting of war canoes). He expanded the Songhai court, creating the posts of directors of finance, justice, interior, agriculture, waters and forests, and of the "tribes of the white race" (the Moors and Tuareg subjects of Songhai). Askia divided the regions into provinces, each under a governor. Not all of his battles were successful, however, and he is generally acknowledged to be an adequate but not exceptional military leader.Īs the empire grew, it became increasingly difficult to manage. During his reign Askia enthusiastically supported the religious universities in Timbuktu, and he opened many mosques and religious schools across Songhai.ĭuring his reign Askia expanded the empire to the north, south, and west, fighting successful campaigns against various neighboring cities and kingdoms. By the time Askia returned to Songhai in 1497, he was deeply committed to Islam. In Mecca Askia met the Caliph of Egypt, who appointed him the Caliph's religious representative, giving him the title "Caliph of West Africa." In a more colorful version of the events, the chronicler Mahmud Kati, who accompanied Muḥammad, wrote that the jinn (demons) of Mecca had Askia named caliph. This pilgrimage has become famous for the pomp, style and wealth Askia displayed during the long journey. Askia almost immediately began plotting Baru's overthrow, successfully gaining power in 1493 with the assistance of Muslim rebels.ġ495, two years after he took the throne, Askia undertook a pilgrimage to Mecca. Ali was succeeded by his son, Sunni Baru. In 1492 Ali died in a freak accident he and his horse fell in a river and were swept over a waterfall. Although nominally a Muslim, Ali continued to practice African animism as well, tolerating Muslim and non-Muslims within his kingdom. Ali extended Songhai control along the Niger River, capturing the wealthy cities of Timbuktu and Jenne. He is also remembered for making a famous pilgrimage to Mecca.Īskia was a general under Sunni Ali, the first great leader of the Songhai Empire. Although he fought several military campaigns, he is primarily remembered for reorganizing, modernizing and bringing stability to the Songhai. Moḥammad ibn Abī Bakr Ture, also known as Moḥammad I Askia (reigned 1493–1528), welded the central region of the western Niger into a single Songhai empire, the largest in African history. Building wonders that he covets is very likely to anger him. His navy will be pretty good as well.Īskia is very keen on gathering Gold, and also puts a high priority on religion.Īskia has a strong tendency to attack and bully city-states.Īskia will also try to build as many wonders as possible. On the other hand, he is quite easy to get along with eventually.Īskia tends to raise a large offensive military force consisting primarily of mounted or armored units, such as Horsemen. Askia will normally pursue a domination victory.Īskia is an aggressive leader who often wages wars against other leaders. ![]()
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